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Standup comedy comes in many varieties. You have the ranting style of Lewis Black, the methodical style of Jerry Seinfeld and the off-the-wall style of Dane Cook. Most comedians fall under some form of those. Then there are the comics that fall into categories all by themselves. Steven Lynch is one of those comics.
Lynch will be performing at the Calvin Theater in Northampton tomorrow night at 8 p.m.
Armed with a guitar and a mic, Lynch has become successful in the standup world by sticking with what he knows best. Using "This is Spinal Tap" as his ultimate inspiration, he combined what he loved.
His entire set is a combination of original and hilarious songs. Lynch's unique repertoire features hard rock inspired tracks like "Hermaphrodity" and "Alter Boy" or the slower, more tender "Lullaby: The Divorce Song" or "Special Olympics."
With lyrics like, "If I could be a superhero, I would, Justice Guy. Making sure women get what they deserve, especially women who lie," from his ever popular "Superhero." Lynch is a blend of singer-songwriters like Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell and foul-mouthed comedians like Bob Saget.
Topics of the great musical acts of our time like sex, religion, love and friendship are all lampooned by Lynch.
While most of his songs begin innocently enough, they all end in unexpected, often vulgar ways.
He has toured nationally, as an opening act, with the likes of Lewis Black, Jay Mohr and Jeff Foxworthy. He came into his own in 2000 with his "Comedy Central Presents" special, which has become one of the most popular in the long-running series. In New York on Aug. 23, he filmed a new installment of the series set to air in February of next year.
His two live albums "Superhero" and "The Craig Machine" as well as his live DVD "Live at the El Rey," have become fan favorites. He is also a favorite guest of syndicated radio shows like "Opie and Anthony."
Considering himself to be a musician before a comic, the musical talent of Lynch if undeniable. There is more to him then just being a funny man with a guitar - he can actually sing.
In April 2006 his musical ability landed him the leading role in the Broadway adaptation of the 1998 Adam Sandler movie "The Wedding Singer." Lynch's run as Robbie Hart lasted from April 26 through December 31 of 2006. He earned nation recognition as a Broadway performer with nominations for Drama League and Drama Desk awards as well as a "Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical," Tony Award.
Since the end of his Broadway run, Lynch has hit the road again. Due to his unique combination of comedy and music, he books theaters and night clubs, avoiding the comedy club atmosphere.
Tickets for Stephen Lynch's comedy show range from $25 to $35 and can be bought online at nbotickets.com or at the Northampton Box Office.
Ryan McAskill can be reached at rmcaskil@student.umass.edu.
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